Attributed to Krishan Kumar Dal, Department Lead for Product Design at Pearl Academy
If 2025 was all about quiet luxury, 2026 is louder, bolder, and impossible to ignore. Jewellery is no longer just a finishing touch, it’s the highlight of the look. This season, it’s all about pieces that feel personal, expressive, and meant to stand out.
From sculptural silver designs that feel like wearable art to colourful gemstones that bring a sense of joy, Spring/Summer 2026 is embracing a new kind of maximalism. It’s not about overdoing it; it’s about styling with intention, where every layer, every stone, and every detail adds meaning to your look.
1. The Rise of ‘Wearable Art’ in Sculptural Forms
There’s a quiet power in pieces that don’t just accessorise, but transform. Sculptural jewellery in 2026 feels almost alive, with fluid curves, organic silhouettes, and bold forms that echo modern art. These are pieces that demand space, not compete for it. The styling is deliberately paired with clean lines, crisp tailoring, or a simple black dress, allowing the jewellery to hold its own. Hair is swept back, necklines are uncluttered, and the focus is unmistakable.
On global red carpets, this artistic expression is already unfolding. Isha Ambani brought sculptural drama to the Oscars 2026 with statement diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz, while Minnie Driver leaned into structured brilliance with a multi-row solitaire necklace from Swadesh.
2. Colourful Gemstones Steal the Spotlight
If there’s one trend that defines the mood of 2026, it’s colour, bold, unapologetic, and full of life. Gemstones are no longer accents; they are the mood-setters. Emerald greens, sapphire blues, and sunlit citrines bring a sense of joy that feels almost contagious.
The styling leans into contrast, vivid stones against neutral palettes, allowing each hue to pop with intention. It’s less about piling on and more about placing thoughtfully.
This shift is visible on the global stage. Gwyneth Paltrow embraced turquoise against soft neutrals at the SAG Awards 2026, while Priyanka Chopra paired vibrant jewels from Bvlgari with a deep navy gown at the Golden Globes 2026.
3. Maximalist Layering Goes Mainstream
Layering, once reserved for the fashion-forward, has now found its way into the everyday wardrobe. But this isn’t chaotic, it’s curated. Chains of varying lengths, textures that play off each other, and stacks that feel intentional rather than excessive. The secret lies in balance: anchoring the look with one dominant piece while letting others build around it. A sense of harmony, even in abundance. Demi Moore embraced full glamour at the SAG Awards 2026 with cascading diamonds from Harry Winston.
4. Mixed Metals, No Rules
For years, mixing metals was considered a misstep. 2026 turns that idea on its head. Gold, silver, platinum, and even rose tones now coexist effortlessly, creating a layered, dimensional look that feels modern and instinctive. The approach is relaxed yet thoughtful, often anchored by a bridge piece that ties the tones together, allowing the mix to feel cohesive rather than conflicting.
At the Oscars After Party 2026, Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid showcased this fluidity, blending metals seamlessly for a look that felt both effortless and elevated.
5. Statement Earrings Lead the Look
In 2026, if there’s one piece to invest in, it’s the earring. Oversized, elongated, and impossible to miss, they frame the face and define the entire look. Often, they stand alone, with no necklace to compete, creating a sense of focused drama. We see styling is all about intention: hair pulled back, necklines kept clean, allowing the earrings to command attention.
On the red carpet, Charithra Chandran wore striking drops from Chopard at the Oscars 2026, while Teyana Taylor made a bold statement with elongated designs by Schlumberger at the SAG Awards 2026.
